Check-in Without Reservation
A guest arrives at the hotel without a prior reservation and inquires about room availability, pricing, and proceeds with booking a room on the spot.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inquire
To inquire means to ask for information about something, like room availability at a hotel. It's a polite way to start a conversation when you need details.
reservation
A reservation is a booking made in advance for a room or service. Saying 'I don't have a reservation' means you arrive without pre-booking.
availability
Availability refers to whether something, like a hotel room, is free or open for use. It's commonly used to check if rooms are ready.
rate
The rate is the price charged for a service, such as a hotel room per night. For example, 'The rate is $189' means the cost is 189 dollars.
include
To include means to have something as part of a package or price. In hotels, you might ask if breakfast is included in the room rate.
incidentals
Incidentals are small extra charges for things like room service or mini-bar items. Hotels often require a credit card to cover these unexpected costs.
check-in
Check-in is the process of registering at a hotel when you arrive to get your room key. It's the opposite of check-out when you leave.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'd like to inquire about room availability. I don't have a reservation.
This sentence is useful for starting a hotel check-in without booking ahead. 'I'd like to' is a polite way to make a request, and it explains your situation clearly. Use it when arriving unexpectedly.
What dates are you looking to stay?
This is a common question from hotel staff to understand your needs. 'Looking to' means planning or intending. It's useful for learners to recognize and respond to questions about stay duration.
Do you have any rooms available tonight, possibly a standard king or a queen room?
This asks about specific room types and time. 'Possibly' softens the request, making it polite. It's practical for specifying preferences like bed sizes during check-in.
The rate is $189 plus tax.
This states the room price clearly. 'Plus tax' means additional government fees are added. Use this pattern to discuss costs: base price plus extras. It's essential for understanding hotel pricing.
Does that include breakfast?
This is a yes/no question checking if something is part of the price. 'Does that include' uses present simple for general facts. Ask this to clarify what's covered in a deal.
I'll take the room for tonight.
This means deciding to book the room. 'I'll take' is informal for agreeing to purchase. It's a simple way to confirm your choice after discussing options.
I just need a form of ID and a credit card for the room and incidentals.
This explains required documents for check-in. 'Just need' means only these are necessary. It's useful for understanding hotel procedures and what to prepare.
We'll get you all checked in.
This assures the guest the process will be completed. 'Get you checked in' uses passive voice for the action. Use similar phrases to confirm service in customer interactions.